A wedding day is a very big event for both the happy couple and their respective family members. Unfortunately most people overextend themselves financially because they let others dictate their planning, but the event can be beautiful and not as expensive as you may think. You do not have to spend a fortune on a wedding. This article has plenty of ways you can save money.

If you choose to take care of your own food serving at your wedding, try going to wholesale stores, such as Costco. Wholesale prices are generally lower. Think about asking friends to help you out with food costs.

Don’t starve yourself silly just to fit in a wedding dress. This will only make you lightheaded and dehydrating, and it could even make you ill. The last thing you will want to do is faint. Purchase a dress that will hug your curves and fit you well the way you are.

Go easy on the number of fresh flowers you put on the guest tables for your wedding reception. A lot of the time flowers in the middle of the table are an annoyance. There are some guests that have allergies to flowers, as well. Think about putting candles that aren’t scented onto the table. This can create a romantic look.

Before choosing a photographer for your wedding day, browse around for ones with the most skill and experience. You don’t want unsatisfactory wedding pictures. Get recommendations from people you know if you aren’t sure who to use.

Keep in mind all things when considering a venue for your receptions, like having adequate dance floor space. If you want to dance at your wedding, make sure you have the room to do so, and if you do not, simply move some of the furniture out of the way and shake your tail feather!

A relative or friend can serve as your assistant, as often the only requirement for the job is being able to haul your gear. They can help you get group shots of the family too!

Try to plan your reception for the afternoon. You can cut down on bar costs when you have a reception during the day, when people tend to drink less. Also, dinner receptions tend to be more expensive than lunch receptions, and you’ll be able to spend your savings on something else.

Be sure you place an an even numer of guests at each table at your reception. To keep table conversations flowing, group the people you have sitting at the tables by their age.

See if you can get your wedding on board a cruise ship. This means you can start your honeymoon immediately. Some of these cruise companies have special prices for weddings and honeymoons on the ship.

Ask your family and friends if they have any heirloom pieces you could borrow which would match your hairstyle and dress. You will look your best while creating a close connection with your friends.

It’s important to have a backup plan if you want your wedding ceremony or reception to be held outdoors. Some ideas are renting a couple of tents, or using a place that has indoor as well as outdoor accommodations. Planks can also be installed to prevent your guests from getting mud all over the their shoes and clothes.

Potted Plants

Using potted plants can be a great alternative to expensive floral arrangements and the plants can be rented, planted at your new home afterwards, or given to guests as a memento. Plants in decorative glazed pots or terracotta tones will look great and save money. Once the wedding is over, it is possible for guests to take home the potted plants as a memento of the wedding, or the newlyweds may want to plant them around their new home.

In terms of wedding receptions, think carefully about whether to include kids. This point is very important in regards to budget and stress should you allow children to attend. Then again, many people may not attend if they cannot find a babysitter.

Give your wedding guests something to do on your wedding day. Don’t leave your loved ones bored as they wait for your wedding to be over. There are all kinds of things you can do, contests or fun, or try something like volleyball. This will make your wedding more memorable while letting others enjoy themselves by interacting with one another.

It is better to select your bridesmaids gowns before you select your bridesmaids. In this way, you can let them know exactly what they are in for before they accept your invitation to participate. Also, try to get something affordable for them. This will keep the tension really low at the wedding.

Be sure to begin planning far ahead of the event. A year in advance is not at all unreasonable when you think of all the details you will need to plan. Planning early ensures that you have more choices for venues and vendors.

Think of rain if there is a chance of it interfering with your plans. When planning an outdoor wedding be sure to also plan an alternate indoor venue in case of inclement weather. Even during times of the year when the weather should be favorable, it is a good idea to have another site prepared.

Use a credit card that has rewards or other perks to pay for everything. Weddings are often very costly, so getting a benefit from your purchases, such as frequent flyer miles, can be extremely helpful. You’ll be swimming in rewards in no time if the card is the main source of payment.

It may take a bit more time and effort to plan an affordable wedding, but it is well worth the effort. Use these suggestions to have a great and memorable wedding day.